Terraced house guttering dispute with neighbour

Firepanda

I live in a terraced house which looks much like the below from one of the sides (two other houses joined behind it, imagine a big house cut into quarters):

(I'm a new user and can't post links, remove the space)

i.imgur. com/npBjZgB.png

Basically a few weeks ago my neighbour had new guttering put in (in red) to replace their old one, and not long after I was told by them that there was a big leak coming from the guttering because the middle section was blocked. They were told this by their gutter installer handyman and gave me a recommendation to call him out again to fix it (they couldn't fix it at the time because it's on my side of the property).

I waited a week after until I was home and it was raining and I took a look to see if there was an issue, and there was a lot of water spilling through the guttering (not over the top). The issue is the new guttering they have doesn't connect well with the guttering I have (it was fine before) and so all the water is spilling through the gap where it doesn't properly connect.

I've just had a letter through my letterbox telling me to rectify the problem that they told me about a few weeks ago because it is "damaging the fabric of the property", but am I being unreasonable in thinking it has nothing to do with me? They bought new guttering and it doesn't fit, it was fine before, and now I'm suppose to fit the bill for someone to come out and fix a "blockage"?

From my standpoint there is no blockage and I don't see why I have to go by the word of their gutter installer that there is one. I received nothing formal from him telling me there was one and for all I know he was just fishing for more work.

I'm concerned because I don't want to look like a bad neighbour, and I don't want this to escalate, but then again I don't feel it is fair for me to fix the mistake of them not buying guttering that connects properly. I'm also concerned that I might be taken to court or something in the future and have to fit the bill for that, to fix the guttering and to fix any damage to their property (though it's only escalated to a letter so far).

I'm 25 and have only been living here for a few months (first time buyer).

Thanks

flashg67

My first thought - get a (different) contractor to have a look and give their thoughts on what the problem is? I don't think it's unreasonable to get a second opinion, particularly as you say there wasn't an issue before?
I understand you don't want conflict, but equally you don't want bullying if it turns out not to be your problem.
Seeing as your neighbours are communicating in notes, I'd suggest a polite note back outlining your concerns and telling them what you'll be doing?

Firepanda

The thing is I'm going to have to pay for the 2nd opinion which I don't think is reasonable (especially since I don't even have a first opinion, just word of mouth from my neighbour).

I'd be happy to rectify any issue if I saw there was one. For example if water was coming over the top from a clear blockage, but first I'd like to see the gutter connection issue sorted first so I can determine if that issue is actually there.

I'll be sending them an email tonight asking what the exact issue is, the water actually leaks out onto my side of the property but I don't really care about that.

DRP

i[d avoid emails and letters- far too formal and misinterpret-able.

I'd call the handyman to get his opinion (from the hores mouth as it were). Tell him it looks like the connection is leaking and see whether he defends the neighbours' position or not.

Then, armed with the extra info, put your 'reasonable' face on, and pop over to see the neighbour. They may well wither in the face of your... er, face (as they seem to have taken the passive/aggressive easy way out by sending letters up to this point).

Better_Days

Firepanda wrote: »

The thing is I'm going to have to pay for the 2nd opinion which I don't think is reasonable (especially since I don't even have a first opinion, just word of mouth from my neighbour).

I'd be happy to rectify any issue if I saw there was one. For example if water was coming over the top from a clear blockage, but first I'd like to see the gutter connection issue sorted first so I can determine if that issue is actually there.

I'll be sending them an email tonight asking what the exact issue is, the water actually leaks out onto my side of the property but I don't really care about that.

Can you or a friend get up there and actually look and take a photo of what the problem appears to be.

As to your last sentence - it would be wise to care about water leaking onto your side of the property, as guttering helps stop too much water getting into your walls and causing damp and erosion.

Cyberman60

I'd get up the ladder and check the connection. It may only be a matter of pushing two pieces of plastic together, as I've had to do similar between guttering joints on my property. It's also a good opportunity to clear any debris from the guttering, such as moss, leaves etc.